Over 40 blackbucks swept away in floodwaters, fate unknown
By C.B.Singh
Berhampur, July 24: A disturbing video of nearly 40 blackbucks being swept away in floodwaters of Kharkhari river in Ganjam district emerged on Monday sparking off criticism from people all across particularly wildlife enthusiasts.
The video reportedly filmed from the Purushottampur –Huma road near Balia in the district showed dozens of these endangered animals struggling to find a ground as they were being swept away by the water current.
While locals deny presence of blackbucks in the area, some pointed out that the animals could have got caught in a flash flood at the nearby Aska forest range.
Unconfirmed reports said that the blackbucks had recently been brought to the Ghumusara wildlife division for a special conservation programme.
However forest officials remained tight lipped about the incident or rescue efforts initiated.
As the video made rounds on the social media, people called for immediate rescue of the trapped animals.
Former MP Baijayant Panda termed the incident as “highly disturbing and insensitive” and urged Peta India and WWF to step in to save the creatures.
A few others criticised the villagers for not making efforts to save the animals.
“All are equally responsible to save animals. People should have done something to save the animals instead of video shooting,” said Lipsha Dash.
Meanwhile reports on fate of the deer is yet to come in.
